The Cavaliers officially used their fourth-year rookie team Jaylon Tysoncontract, team announced today in a press release.
Tyson’s $3.66 million salary for the upcoming season has already been fully guaranteed. Today’s option decision ensures that his $5.64 million salary for 2027/28, the fourth and final year of his massive rookie contract, is also locked in.
The 20th pick in the 2024 draft, Tyson didn’t play much as a rookie, but he enjoyed a modest breakout in 2025-26, averaging 26.9 minutes a night and starting 42 of the 66 regular season games he played for Cleveland. The 23-year-old posted 13.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game on a solid .493/.446/.738 shooting line.
In the playoffs, Tyson saw his playing time and production drop. In the team’s three series against Toronto, Detroit and New York, he averaged just 4.1 ppg and 2.8 ppg on 12.7 mpg over 17 games off the bench, shooting .362/.237/.667.
The 6-foot-6 guard/forward will look to bounce back from that lackluster postseason performance this fall as he plays a key backup role on a Cavaliers team that has lost several depth pieces, including Dean Wade, Dennis Schroeder, Keon Ellisand Max Strus – in the off-season.
Tyson, who was the only cavalier with a rookie team option for 2027/28now on track to be eligible for rookie expansion in July 2027. He will reach restricted free agency status in July 2028 unless he signs a new contract next summer.
